Community Involvement

CM.1 Assess the oral health needs and services of the community to determine action plans
and availability of resources to meet the health care needs.

CM.3 Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.

School Sealant Rotations

Throughout our second year of dental hygiene school we are required to visit schools to place sealants on children, apply fluoride varnish, and teach them how to brush properly. This provides community outreach for children that may not have the opportunity to receive this care anywhere else. This also taught me how to communicate and navigate giving care to children that may be nervous, scared, or just not cooperative. It is rewarding to know that we are preventing childhood tooth decay. 

Program Development Presentation

Through our community class we were challenged to find a local organization to propose a plan to better the oral health of the people they serve. My group chose an organization that provides a home for homeless single mothers and their children. We were able to give an on site presentation to staff and mothers on how to properly care for their children's teeth and how to teach their children. It was rewarding to see the learning that occurred during our presentation and to see what an amazing organization is able to provide for mothers in need. I have this presentation attached below.

Clinical Rotation

We were required to complete a rotation in Oklahoma dental clinics. These clinics offer care for patients that are part or fully Cherokee at no cost to them. This was a great opportunity to experience seeing multiple patients in one day, learning time management, and experiencing a new setting. Below I have attached a paper reflecting on a day in one of these clinics.

Artifacts: